Summary: Best dang bike I've found for the money. I take it with me just about everywhere. The only things I've done to it is swap out the stock rubber for something better in the same size.. Pedals next. Oh...added Freddy Fenders too and nuked the adjustable stem. I really highly recommend the shop I bought it at too. ICS in Indy.
Strengths: Fast, dependable, shifts well for lower end parts..(not bad though)
Weaknesses: The stem.
Similar Products Used: Trek 7.3
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Summary: I recently decided that it was time to buy a new bike after several 10-15 miles rides on my mid-90s specialized hard rock sport. I wanted something that wouldn't be so sluggish, but also, I didn't mind sacrificing some speed for comfort, as I have no plans on competitively riding. The Giant FCR 3 has worked out perfectly for my needs (i.e. someone who wants to go on long rides, but doesn't care about having the absolute fastest bike with the absolute best gear). I think way too many people buy into all the hype about bicycles, and spend way too much money, when really, the most important thing is how you feel when you ride it. I feel very much at home on this bike. It's light (at least in comparison to my old hard rock), responsive, and just a blast to ride. And I bet I could beat at lot of people with bikes that cost 5 times as much, as the most important thing is what sort of shape you're in. I recommend this bicycle to anyone who wants to really enjoy their ride, but doesn't want to break the bank.
Strengths: Relatively light, gears shift fine, good balance of comfort and speed.
Weaknesses: Don't like the grips on the handlebars at all, will probably replace them. Also, the pedals admittedly suck. I replaced them for 20 bucks with pedals that I could add toe clips to. I gave this 4 stars b/c of those two issues.
Similar Products Used: I looked at some Treks, but the Giant was the most reasonable, price-wise.
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Bike Setup: Clipless pedals, handle bar extension.
Summary: I started road cycling about 2 years ago with a "retail store" mountain bike. After a long pause of about a year I restarted on February and by March I decided it was time to get something for the road.
Due to some back problems I didn't want a traditional drop handle bar so I looked for a hybrid. Very fortunate for me since the starting prices for road bikes are sooo expensive.
I test rode other brands (Jamis, Cannondale and Trek) and at the end decided to go for the FCR based on reviews and $$.
I decided to go for the basic model (FCR 3) mainly because I was not sure my back and knee will keep up with my new hobbie. I've been riding about 20 miles 4-5 times on weekdays and about 40-50 once a weekend with the local road riding group.
After about 1000 miles on it I must say I'm extremely happy with it. My experience with road bikes was zero before, so I don't have anything to compare it with but by riding with the weekend group with ciclysts that average well above U$ 1000 bikes, I noticed the FCR3 can keep up with them. Many of the other riders noticed my bike and are surprised how well it rides.
I plan to change the stock 32 width tires to a 28 and if possible to a 25 so I can increase even more my speed. Of course I know I will loose some of the comfort. However with the stock equipment I can keep up with the 20-22 m/h group.
Since I got so much into this sport, I plan in the non so distant future to upgrade to a better road bike. For entry level ciclysts I strongly recommend the FCR3 or the 2 or ven the 1 if you have the extra money and don't mind a little less comfort.
Strengths: Comfortable ride
Decent shifting
Decent weight
Excelent value for the price
Weaknesses: Pedals
Similar Products Used: None, except for the "retail store" mountain bike
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Bike Setup: I bought a more comfortable seat. Again, I'm not manly enough for the squeezy crushy seats.
Summary: I've ridden old Walmart and various cheap comfort bike 4-5 a week for about 8 years now. I'm only 18 and I enjoyed the exercise and overall experience of riding, so I decided to invest in a better bike. I saw Giant was highest rated in Consumer Reports, so I found a dealer near me and went to check out their bikes. I enjoyed the comfort of my old bike, but I really wanted to get a faster bike. I tried out the Cypress and thought it was really comfortable, but it was rather heavy and slow. Then I saw the FCR 3 and instantly fell in love. Not only did it look like a beast, but it rode well!
I test rode it and new I had to buy it. It was fast, light, sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable. I wasn't manly enough to get a full on road bike with the seats that squash your naughty bits, so this was definitely the next best thing.
I've had it a few weeks now, and I love it. I've been averaging 10-20 miles a ride on it, and found it travels quite fast with little effort. I even bought some of those spicy bike shorts, so now I'm hardcore! I don't know much about bikes, but I do know its an awesome bike and well worth the money.
Strengths: Fast, light, comfortable, affordable, sturdy, and it looks awesome
Weaknesses: Handlebars are a little uncomfortable after an hour or so but not enough to really complain
Similar Products Used: Nothing similar to this beast of a bike
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Bike Setup: Stock, except for SPD pedals, upgraded brake pads
Summary: I own a 2008 FCR3. Good fitness bike.
Average ride is 10-15 miles. Frame is woth upgrading. Would suggest a road bike if you want to ride longer. Overall very good bike for the money.
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